(updated 10/6/26 ) 9/14/2026 From the September Board Meeting - one new breed was added to the Foundation Stock Service Program – Seppala Siberian Sleddog. The American Dutch Shepherd Association is the official parent club for the Dutch Shepherd and to accept the Dutch Shepherd into the AKC Stud Book on June 30, 2027 . […]

The 3,000-year-old Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced "show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee"), the ancient Aztec dog of the gods, is today a loving companion and vigilant watchdog. The alert and loyal Xolo comes in three sizes, and in either hairless or coated varieties.

The following breeders have met the requirements for the Breed and Levels recorded at the time of the application. The American Kennel Club is pleased to recognize these breeders for their contribution to the sport and maintaining the tenets of the Breeder of Merit program. (current as of  9/18/26, last updated 9/18/26) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Platinum"] […]

Sharing your life with a dog can be incredibly rewarding. Dogs are affectionate, intuitive companions, and growing up with one may even help children develop compassion and confidence. If you have allergies, though, you might wonder whether dog ownership is realistic. The answer depends on your sensitivity, the steps you take to manage exposure, and […]

Season 13 - Spring/Summer Season 2026 [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Extended Ph.D."] Top Three Teams Champion – Michigan Border Patrol – Michigan Reserve Champion – Misfits on the Run – West Virginia Third Place – Let’s Play TAG – North Carolina Individual Dog Placements 8-Inch Regular 1st – Smirk, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Pluff Mudd Brats 12-Inch Regular 1st – […]

AKC Group Standards Download AKC approved breed standards by complete group for use on any portable electronic device. Sporting Hound Working Terrier Toy Non-Sporting Herding Misc. Judges Study Guide No single written guide is ever comprehensive enough to be the only learning tool utilized in preparation for judging a new breed. We urge you to […]

[accordion] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="2026"] Below you will find recording links and resources for webinars that aired in 2026. Once you click the recording link, you will be asked to enter your name and email address in order to access the recording. Webinar Topic Recording Link Review & FAQ’s on Conformation Judging Procedures, Policies & Guidelines […]

If you want a dog but experience allergy symptoms around them, you are not alone. While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, some purebred breeds are often a better fit for allergy sufferers because they have predictable, low-shedding coats that may spread less dander. Combined with good household allergy management, these breeds can make dog ownership […]

Based on American Kennel Club registration statistics, we rank the most popular dog breeds in America each year. The French Bulldog takes the No. 1 spot!

The American Kennel Club has released registration statistics for 2025. Who will be crowned the most popular breed?

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) today announced the judging panel for the 26th AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, to be held December 12–13, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The Club also released the judging panel for the AKC National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals. The panel for the AKC […]

The outdoor temperature where you live affects your dog's comfort level. If you live in a warm or tropical climate, what are the best breeds for hot...

LGBTQIA+ dog owners have always been part of AKC dog sports. For some, the dog world has been a supportive haven, while for others, it has been more challenging.

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. The AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior […]

Saturday’s Judging Panels View Saturday’s judging panels for the all-breed show and specialty judging by breed. All-Breed Panel Specialty PanelsAfghan HoundChihuahuaDoberman PinscherLabrador RetrieverXoloitzcuintli

There are a variety of breeds that don’t shed, each with different temperaments and energy levels, so you can find the right breed for your lifestyle. Breeds that Don‘t Shed Bedlington Terrier: The gentle, loveable Bedlington Terrier is known for its curly, wooly coat that resembles a lamb. The breed doesn’t need intense exercise – […]

The American Kennel Club is the world's largest registry of purebred dogs, and uses these statistics to rank the most popular breeds — and the rarest breeds. The numbers are in: these are the rarest dog breeds according to AKC registration statistics. In 2025, 202 total breeds were counted in the registration statistics. In 2026, […]

Some dog breeds are easy to say. Others, like the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje, are trickier. Learn proper ways to pronounce tough breed names.

How long can you keep your dog outside? Here we explore just how to determine when it's time to call your dog back inside after a day of outdoor fun.

Just like people, dogs are prone to sunburn and other diseases associated with UV exposure. Here's what you should know about dog sunscreen and dog sunburn.